U.S. patent application number 09/867641 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-12 for device for locating an individual.
Invention is credited to Wagner, Colleen.
Application Number | 20020186135 09/867641 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25350173 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020186135 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wagner, Colleen |
December 12, 2002 |
Device for locating an individual
Abstract
A system for locating an individual. The system includes a main
unit for monitoring a predetermined area, a plurality of tracking
units having a unique identification code and a plurality of
activation units paired with a respective one of said tracking
units, each pair having a unique identification code. The
activation unit includes an activation button that is manually
activated by a user upon desiring to determine a location of the
tracking unit. Upon activation of the button a location request
signal is transmitted to activate the main unit to determine a
position of the tracking unit within the monitored area. The main
unit relays a position signal indicating the determined position to
the mobile hand held unit to aid in locating the tracking unit. The
main unit includes a central station and a plurality of sensors
strategically positioned about the monitored area in wireless
communication with the central station. Each tracking unit and hand
held unit include a sensor for activating a monitored area speaker
to generate an audible alarm upon passage outside of the monitored
area. Each activation unit includes a cover providing selective
access to the activation button. Each tracking unit includes an
illumination device for generating a visible signal upon receipt of
the location signal from the main unit.
Inventors: |
Wagner, Colleen; (Bensalem,
PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael I. Kroll
171 Stillwell Lane
Syosset
NY
11791
US
|
Family ID: |
25350173 |
Appl. No.: |
09/867641 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/573.1 ;
340/539.13; 340/573.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08B 21/0202
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/573.1 ;
340/573.4; 340/539 |
International
Class: |
G08B 023/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters
Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
1. A systems for locating an individual, said system comprising: a)
a main unit for monitoring a predetermined area; b) a tracking unit
having a unique identification code; c) an activation unit having
an identification code corresponding to the tracking unit and an
activation button, said activation button being manually activated
by a user upon desiring to determine a location of the tracking
unit, wherein activation of the activation button, a location
request signal is transmitted to said main unit activating said
main unit to determine a position of said tracking unit within the
monitored area; and d) a mobile hand held unit in selective
communication with the main unit, said main unit relaying a
position signal indicating the determined position to said hand
held unit thereby aiding in locating said tracking unit.
2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said main unit
includes a central station, said central station including a
receiver for receiving said location request signal, a processor
for analyzing said location request signal and determining the
position of said tracking unit and a transmitter for relaying the
position to said mobile hand held unit.
3. The system as recited in claim 2, wherein said main unit further
includes a plurality of sensors strategically positioned about the
monitored area, said sensors being in wireless communication with
said main unit for aiding in determining the position of said
tracking unit.
4. The system as recited in claim 3, wherein at least one of said
plurality of sensors are positioned about a periphery of the
monitored area for detecting passage of any of said tracking unit
and activation unit outside of the monitored area.
5. The system as recited in claim 4, wherein said monitoring area
having a speaker induces said speaker by at least one sensor
activating said speaker to generate an audible alarm signal upon
detecting passage of said tracking unit outside of the monitored
area.
6. The system as recited in claim 4, wherein said mobile hand held
unit includes a speaker, said at least one sensor activating said
speaker to generate an audible alarm signal upon detecting passage
of said tracking unit and/or said activation unit outside of the
monitored area.
7. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said activation unit
includes a transmitter for transmitting the location request signal
to said main unit.
8. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said mobile hand held
unit includes a receiver for receiving a location signal from the
main unit.
9. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein said hand held unit
further includes a display for displaying a floor plan of the
monitored area and indicating a position of said tracking unit on
the floor plan in response to receipt of the position signal from
said main unit.
10. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said activation unit
further includes a cover for providing selective access to said
activation button thereby minimizing the possibility of inadvertent
activation.
11. The system as recited in claim 2, wherein said tracking unit
includes a receiver for receiving a location signal from said main
unit and a transmitter for transmitting a reply signal including
data indicative of the unique identification code of said tracking
unit to said main unit.
12. The system as recited in claim 11, wherein said tracking unit
further includes an illumination device, whereby said illumination
device is activated to generate a visible signal upon receipt of
the location signal.
13. The system as recited in claim 4, wherein said system further
includes a plurality of tracking units and a plurality of
activation units, each tracking unit being paired with a respective
one of said activation units wherein the tracking unit and
activation unit of each pair is assigned a unique identification
code.
14. The system as recited in claim 13, wherein said main unit
stores information regarding each pair of tracking and activation
units including the unique identification code for each pair.
15. The as recited in claim 14, wherein each of said tracking units
includes at least one sensor activating said monitoring area
speaker to generate an audible alarm signal upon detecting passage
of said tracking unit outside of the monitored area.
16. The as recited in claim 14, wherein each of said activation
units includes at least one sensor activating said monitoring area
speaker to generate an audible alarm signal upon detecting passage
of said tracking unit outside of the monitored area.
17. The system as recited in claim 14, wherein each of said
activation units includes a transmitter for transmitting the
location request signal to said main unit.
18. The system as recited in claim 17, wherein each of said mobile
hand held units further includes a display for displaying a floor
plan of the monitored area and indicating a position of said
tracking unit on the floor plan in response to receipt of the
position signal from said main unit.
19. The system as recited in claim 17, wherein each of said
activation units further includes a cover for providing selective
access to said activation button thereby minimizing the possibility
of inadvertent activation.
20. The system as recited in claim 14, wherein each of said
tracking units includes a receiver for receiving a location signal
from said main unit and a transmitter for transmitting a reply
signal including data indicative of the unique identification code
of said tracking unit to said unit.
21. The system as recited in claim 20, wherein each of said
tracking units further includes an illumination device, whereby
said illumination device is activated to generate a visible signal
upon receipt of the location signal.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to location
detection systems and, more specifically, to a system including a
main terminal for monitoring a specific area such as a mall or park
and individual tracking bracelets retained by individuals within
the monitored area whereby, upon engaging the activation unit, the
main unit can obtain the location of any one of the tracking
bracelets and thereby determine the location of the individual
wearing said tracking bracelet.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Numerous types of location monitoring systems have been
provided in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,694,284;
4,819,860; 4,885,571; 5,014,040; 5,021,794; 5,027,314; 5,196,825;
5,204,670; 5,334,974; 5,525,967; 5,661,492 and 5,929,777all are
illustrative of such prior art. Furthermore, there have not been
provided many location systems which have been able to monitor the
location of a person or child within a public facility such as a
park, mall, amusement park or nursing home. In these areas
situations such as shown in FIG. 1 are common. This figure
illustrates a mall area 10. Within the mall area 10 are numerous
customers 12. The customers 12 are shopping at the stores located
in the mall area 10. When a mall area 10 gets overcrowded with
customers 12 such as during holiday seasons, it is difficult for a
parent 16 to keep track of a child 18 who is able to wander off.
When a child 18 wanders off, the parent 16 will have a difficult
time attempting to find the child 18. In such instances, the parent
16 is normally seen wandering the mall area 10 screaming out and
hoping the child 18 can hear her. Upon realizing the parent 16 is
not within sight, the child 18, dependent upon the age, normally
begins crying or shouting for the parent 16. This scenario
continues until the child 18 and parent 16 are reunited.
[0005] While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose
to which they address, they would not be as suitable for the
purposes of the present invention as heretofore described.
U.S. Pat No. 4,694,284
Inventor: Serge Leveille et al.
Issue Date: Sep. 15, 1987
[0006] The collar consist of two legs pivoted to each other at one
end by a hinge member and releasably locked to each other at the
other end by a key operated lock. The legs are made of
shear-resistant material. A radio signal generating and
transmitting device and autonomous power supply are housed within
the collar. A trigger switch is closed to activated the device upon
opening of a flap by the abducted collar wearer, and circuitry
including a silicon controlled rectifier caused activation of the
transmitter and characterized by the impossibility of deactivation
thereof, short of complete discharge of the power supply, as long
as the lock locks the legs of the collar around the wrist, neck or
ankle of the wearer.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,860
Inventor: James L. Hargrove et al.
Issue Date: Apr. 11, 1989
[0007] A wrist-mounted pulse rate and body temperature monitor has
means for storing upper and lower emergency pulse rates and body
temperatures by means of which an emergency medical situation is
defined. When the monitor detects an emergency medical situation,
an emergency signal is generated on standard emergency locator
frequencies to alert search and rescue services. Means for
automatically setting the upper and lower safe thresholds is
provided. The device is particularly suited for use by individuals
in remote areas where either the health of the individual or the
environment create a higher risk to the survival of the
individual.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,885,571
Inventor: James D. Pauley et al.
Issue Date: Dec. 5, 1989
[0008] A tag for use with an individual monitoring system. The tag
is worn by an individual being monitored, preferably on the ankle
or leg where it can be concealed by the clothing of the individual.
The tag is fully self contained and sealed. The circuits of the tag
periodically generate an identification signal that includes an
identification code. The identification signal modulates a stable
RF signal that is transmitted in bursts of data words to a receiver
associated with a field monitoring device (FMD) located at the
monitoring location. In turn, the FMD may randomly establish
communication with a central processing unit (CPU) located at a
central monitoring location. Other information is included in the
identification code of the tag, such as information indicating that
an attempt has been made to remove the tag from the individual. The
tag is held in place near the skin of it's wearer by a conductive
strap that wraps around the leg or other limb of the individual.
Two capacitive electrodes, one of which is realized with the
conductive strap, function as the plates of a capacitor, with the
body flesh serving as the dielectric material therebetween. By
monitoring an alternating signal coupled from one capacitive
electrode to the other, a determination can be made as to whether
the tag has remained near the body flesh. Further, because the
strap is conductive, a signal can be passed therethrough and a
determination can be made as to whether the strap has been
broken.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,040
Inventor: Philip W. Weaver et al.
Issue Date May 7, 1991
[0009] A personal locator transmitter adapted to be worn on the
wrist and having the size and appearance of a conventional
wrist-watch. This transmitter is provided with a programmed memory,
a transmitter controlled by the memory, an antenna for reliably
radiating signals from the transmitter regardless of of orientation
of the wrist of a user and including both a manually operable alarm
activated by pressing a button, and an automatic alarm actuated by
an attempt to remove the unit from the wrist of the wearer. The
unit is controlled by a control memory comprised of an EEPROM
encoded with unique identification codes and other information as
required in the specific application.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,021,794
Inventor: Robert A. Lawrence
Issue Date: Jun. 4, 1991
[0010] The radio transmitter in a miniaturized transceiver
concealed on a person to be located, such as a lost child, is
activated and transmits a coded UHF radio homing signal upon
receipt of an initiating signal containing the child's address
code. The initiating signal is automatically transmitted by a
repeater station in response to an audible "panic signal"
containing the address code and contains the identical address
code. The panic signal is a pulse tone produced by hand held tone
generator activated by the child's parent and is transmitted to the
repeater station by telephone. Tracking vehicles are provided with
automatic UHF radio direction finding and distance measuring
equipment for locating the source of the homing signal. Stored
information concerning the child can be transmitted to the tracking
vehicles.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,027,314
Inventor: Gary Linwood et al.
Issue Date: Jun. 25, 1991
[0011] A system and method for tracking a number of subjects in a
plurality of areas is shown to include a plurality of transmitters,
wherein at least one transmitter is associated with each subject,
each transmitter transmits a light based signal representative of
an identifying code unique to that transmitter, a plurality of
receivers, wherein at least one receiver is associated with each
area, each receiver converts transmitted light based signals to
electrical signals and validates the electrical signal to determine
whether such electrical signals are representative of the unique
identifying codes associated with the transmitters, and a central
processing member, connected to each of the receivers, for
recording those electrical signals which are representative of the
unique identifying codes for recording the receiver which
determined that such electrical signals are representative of the
unique identifying codes associated with the transmitters and for
determining in which area the transmitter is actually located.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,196,825
Inventor: James T. Young
Issue Date: Mar. 23, 1993
[0012] An apparatus is provided for monitoring the location of a
person and for determining whether the person is in distress. The
apparatus includes a transmitter and a transceiver, which are
adapted to be worn at different locations on the persons body. The
transmitter normally transmits a first electromagnetic signal,
which is detectable by the transceiver and by at least one remote
receiver. When the person is in distress, the transmitter transmits
a second electromagnetic signal in lieu of the first signal. The
transceiver is responsive to the second signal for generating a
third electromagnetic signal, which also indicates that the person
is in distress. The remote receiver is responsive to either or both
of the second and third signals for generating an alarm signal
indicating the distress condition. The transceiver also generates
the third signal in response to the absence of the first signal,
which may occur when the transmitter is removed from the person's
body and the distance between the transmitter and transceiver
becomes too great for the transceiver to receive the first signal,
or due to transmitter malfunctional. The third signal therefore
provides a redundancy feature in the event of failure of the
transmitter to generate the second signal. The apparatus not only
allows the person's location to be continuously monitored, but also
indicates when the person is in need of assistance.
U.S. Pat. No. 5.204.670
Inventor: Vincent D. Stinton
Issue Date: Apr. 20, 1993
[0013] A personnel monitoring system includes a host central
processing unit, or CPU, maintained by a supervising agency that
automatically, or by request, receives and interprets data from
individuals being monitored. The monitored individuals may wear or
carry a transmitting or transponding unit that periodically, or
upon request, transmits a uniquely encoded signal that identifies
the person being monitored, as well as information about the
condition or activities of the person being monitored. Lower risk
monitored individuals may be required to simply contact the host
CPU on a regular basis, e.g., weekly, monthly, or yearly. The host
CPU includes a plurality of software submodules that can be
selectively installed therein to allow a desired monitoring
configuration to be used in order to best meet the needs of the
monitoring agency. The communication link between the individual
and the CPU may be by way of existing telephone lines or other
telecommunicative links. From data received, the host CPU generates
desired reports indicating the location, condition, status, and/or
activities of the monitored individual.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,334,974
Inventor: James R. Simms et al.
Issue Date Aug. 2, 1994
[0014] A fully automatic personnal security system which combines
the advantages of worldwide LORAN-C or GPS navigation with the
substantially worldwide communication capabilities of a cellular
telephone or communication satellite. The security system comprises
a mobile unit which communicates emergency data including position
coordinates, and a central dispatch station which receives the
emergency data and accurately displays all necessary emergency
information superposed on a digitized map at a position
corresponding to the location of the mobile unit.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,525,967
Inventor: S. Massoud Azizi, et al.
Issue Date: Jun. 11, 1996
[0015] A system and method to monitor the specific location of a
person, pet or item of personal property by employing elements that
enable the user to pinpoint both the distance and the direction of
the person or object being monitored relative to the position of
the monitoring or transmission unit (the "source"), comprising a
tracking transceiver unit, which tracks and monitors the person or
object, and the target transceiver unit, which is worn or affixed
to the person or object being monitored. The tracking transceiver
unit broadcasts a signal to a target transceiver unit, which, upon
receiving the signal, will then broadcast a response signal back to
the tracking transceiver unit. The tracking transceiver unit's
antenna, which comprises a plurality of flat sensor plate-like
elements formed together in a generally spherical configuration,
picks up the signal and then conveys the information it receives to
a special response signal processor unit, which analyzes the data
to determine the direction of the person or object being monitored.
Information filtered and analyzed through the response signal
processor unit is then conveyed to a central processor unit, which
uses the data to calculate the distance of the person or object
being monitored from the source.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,492
Inventor: Stephen Davis Shoap et al.
Issue Date: Aug. 26, 1997
[0016] A population of located personal detection units (PDUs) (20)
are worn by users. Any number of locators (14) are placed at known
locations within an area (10) where the users tend to be. When an
alarm event for an individual user occurs, a request signal is
transmitted from the user's PDU (20). The request signal is
received at several of the locators (14), each of which measure the
power level of the request signal. A central computers (16) selects
some of these locators (14) in response to the power level
measurements. In sequence, the selected locators (14) transmit an
interrogation signal to the PDU (20), the PDU (20) replies to the
interrogation signal, and the locators (14) measure the duration
transpiring between the interrogation and the reply. Based on the
durations measured for at least three of the locators, the central
computer (16) uses a multilateration
U.S. Pat. No. 5,929,777
Inventor: Kevin T. Reynolds
Issue Date: Jul. 27, 1999
[0017] A personal infared beacon unit capable of being worn as an
adornment of clothing, incorporated into a part of a person's
attire, or embodied within a personal pager, a cellular phone or a
2-way data device. The beacon unit may be in communication with an
established network and may be activated externally by a locator
signal, or internally by activation of an emergency button. Upon
activation , the beacon unit emits coded timed infared bursts in
coherent beams, and when the beams are detected, they may be
decoded visually or with a decoding device to provide the identity
and location of the user.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0018] The present invention relates generally to location
detection systems and, more specifically, to a system including a
main terminal for monitoring a specific area such as a mall or park
and individual tracking bracelets retained by individuals within
the monitored area whereby, upon engaging the activation unit, the
main unit can obtain the location of any one of the tracking
bracelets and thereby determine the location of the individual.
[0019] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a
system for locating an individual that will overcome the
shortcomings of prior art devices.
[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
system for locating an individual within a predefined area having a
tracking bracelet on their person.
[0021] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
system for locating an individual that is able to be remotely
engaged by an activation unit to initiate a location mode for
determining the location of a tracking bracelet.
[0022] A yet further object of the present invention is to provide
a system for locating an individual wherein the main terminal is
able to determine the location of a tracking bracelet within the
predetermined area upon either manual activation or upon receipt of
a location request signal from an activation unit.
[0023] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide a system for locating an individual wherein the activation
unit includes a selectively covered activation button thereby
preventing accidental activation.
[0024] An even further object of the present invention is to
provide a system for locating an individual wherein an audible
alarm is activated on exiting the monitored area of the tracking
bracelet or activation unit.
[0025] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide a system for locating an individual wherein the tracking
bracelets are in the form of a lockable bracelet pin or other
unobtrusive device, each tracking unit being assigned a unique
identification number.
[0026] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
system for locating an individual wherein the activation units are
in the form of a necklace, bracelet pin or hand held unit, each
activation unit being assigned a unique identification number.
[0027] A yet further object of the present invention is to provide
a system for locating an individual wherein security personnel
would be in constant contact with the main computer via wireless
communication devices for aiding in locating a child wearing a
tracking unit.
[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
system for locating an individual that is simple and easy to
use.
[0029] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide a system for locating an individual that is economical in
cost to manufacture.
[0030] Additional objects of the present invention will appear as
the description proceeds.
[0031] A system for locating an individual is disclosed by the
present invention. The system includes a main unit for monitoring a
predetermined area, a plurality of tracking units having a unique
identification code and a plurality of activation units paired with
a respective one of said tracking units, each pair having a unique
identification code. The activation unit includes an activation
button that is manually activated by a user upon desiring to
determine a location of the tracking unit. Upon activation of the
button a location request signal is transmitted to the main unit to
determine a position of the tracking unit within the monitored
area. The main unit has a plurality of mobile hand held units that
are carried by security personnel of the monitored area. The main
unit relays a position signal indicating the determined position to
the mobile hand held unit to aid in locating the tracking unit. The
main unit includes a central station and a plurality of sensors
strategically positioned about the monitored area in wireless
communication with the central station. Each tracking unit has
means for engaging an audible alarm upon passage outside of the
monitored area. Each activation unit includes a cover providing
selective access to the activation button. Each tracking unit
includes an illumination device for generating a visable signal
upon receipt of the location signal from the main unit.
[0032] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this
invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however,
that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be
made in the specific construction illustrated and described within
the scope of the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0033] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of
the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the
same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters
designate the same or similar parts throughout the several
views.
[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mother looking for her
child in a crowded mall;
[0035] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mother contacting security
personnel to initiate a locating session for her child in a mall
equipped with the system for locating an individual of the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mother engaging the
activation button of the activation unit thereby generating a
locating session signal that contacts the main terminal for
locating her child in a mall;
[0037] FIG. 4 is a front view of the main terminal of the system
for locating an individual of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a display appearing on the
main terminal of the system for locating an individual of the
present invention indicating the position of the tracking unit;
[0039] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating communication
between the components of the system for locating an individual of
the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a mother at the main
terminal of the system awaiting return of her child by security
personnel;
[0041] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the tracking unit of the system
for locating an individual of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the activation unit of the
system for locating an individual of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the mobile handheld unit of
the system for locating an individual of the present invention;
and
[0044] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the tracking device
of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of another of the
activation unit of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of
the activation unit of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the mobile hand held unit
of the system for locating an individual of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS
[0048] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar
reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several
views, the Figures illustrate the system for locating an individual
of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals
used, the following numbering is used throughout the various
drawing figures.
1 10 mall area 12 customers within mall area 14 stores within mall
area 16 parent 18 child 20 system for locating an individual of the
present invention 22 security officer 24 tracking unit 25 lines
indicating illumination of the tracking unit 26 activation unit 27
cover of activation unit 28 activation button 30 main unit 32
processor 34 keyboard 36 monitor 38 transmitter/receiver 40 display
of monitor 42 display of floor plan 44 illuminated indication of
position of tracking unit 46 legend on floor plan 48 indicia on
floor plan 49 activation request signal 50 request signal 52
location signal 53 location tracking signal 54 illumination device
56 reply signal 58 processor of tracking unit 60 power source of
tracking unit 62 memory of tracking unit 64 receiver of tracking
unit 66 transmitter of tracking unit 67 mobile hand held unit 68
processor of mobile hand held unit 70 power source of mobile hand
held unit 72 memory of mobile hand held unit 74 transmitter of
mobile hand held unit 76 receiver of mobile hand held unit 78
display of mobile hand held unit 80 speaker of mobile hand held
unit 82 processor of tracking unit 84 power source of tracking unit
86 memory of tracking unit 88 transmitter of tracking unit
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0049] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar
reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several
views, FIGS. 1 through 14 illustrate the system for locating an
individual of the present invention indicated generally by the
numeral 20.
[0050] The system for locating an individual 20 is illustrated in
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. As can be seen from these figures, A child 18
has wandered away from her parent 16 within a crowded mall area 10.
Upon realizing that the child 18 has wandered off, the parent 16
contacts security personnel 22 to initiate a location session for
the missing child 18 by engaging the activation unit 26 carried by
the parent 16. The contact of the main unit 30 may be through
activation of a button 28 on the activation unit 26 provided to the
parent 16 upon registering for the security bracelet 24.
[0051] When the activation button 28 is pressed, a wireless signal
is transmitted to the main unit 30 including a unique
identification code associated with the corresponding tracking unit
24. The main unit 306 is thus able to monitor for the correct
tracking unit 24 within the predetermined monitoring area, in this
instance the mall area 10. Upon locating the tracking unit within
the mall area 10, the operator of the main unit 30 contacts the
security officers 22 and directs them to the location of the child
18. FIG. 3 illustrates the parent engaging the activation unit 26
upon detecting the child 18 has wandered off. After activating the
button 28, the parent 16 then contacts security personnel 22 to
determine the location of the main unit 30 to await the return of
the child 18 by security personnel 22 Upon communication with the
main unit 30 in determining the location of the tracking unit 24
and child 18, the tracking unit 24 will be caused to illuminate
thereby further assisting the security officers 22 in locating the
child 18 and tracking unit 24. Illumination of the tracking unit 24
is indicated by the lines labeled with the numeral 25.
[0052] A front view of the main unit 30 is illustrated in FIG. 4
with an enlarged view of a display illustrated in FIG. 6 indicating
the location of a selected tracking unit 24. As can be seen from
FIG. 4, the main unit 30 includes a processor 32, a keyboard 34, a
monitor 36 and a receiver/transmitter 38. The keyboard 34 is
provided for data input to the processor 32 such as identification
data for each tracking unit 24. The monitor 36 includes a display
40. The display 40 provides a visual floor plan 42 for the area
being monitored and is controlled by the processor 32. When the
processor 32 is activated to locate a tracking unit 24, upon
determining the location of the tracking unit 24, the display is
controlled to provide a visual indication of the position of the
tracking unit 24 on the displayed floor plan 42.
[0053] An exemplary floor plan 42 is illustrated in FIG. 5. This
figure illustrates a top view of the floor on which the tracking
unit 24 is positioned and provides an illuminated indication 44 of
the position of the tracking unit 24 with respect to the floor plan
42. The floor plan also includes a legend 46 for orienting the
person viewing the display 40 as to the relationship between the
display 40 and the actual layout of the area being monitored.
Indicia 48 indicating the level or floor of the area being
displayed is also provided on the display 40.
[0054] A depiction of the communication links established between
the elements of the system are illustrated in FIG. 6. As can be
seen from this figure, the main unit 30communicates with both the
tracking unit 24 and the mobile handheld unit 67. The processor 32
of the main unit 30 is connected to a transmitter/receiver unit 38.
Upon activation of the button 28 of the activation unit 26 depicted
in FIG. 3, the activation unit 26 generates a location request
signal including data representative of the unique identification
code associated with the corresponding tracking unit 24. The
location request signal is transmitted to the main unit 30 where it
is received by the receiver/transmitter 38. The location request
signal is indicated by the arrow labeled with the numeral 49 shown
in FIG. 3. Upon receipt of this signal, the receiver/transmitter
unit 38 forwards the signal to the processor 32. In response to the
receipt of the data signal, the processor 32 enters a locate mode.
In the locate mode, the processor 32 transmits a location signal to
the tracking unit 24. The location signal is indicated by the arrow
indicated by the numeral 52. In response to the receipt of the
location signal, the tracking unit 24 activates a visual indicator
54 as indicated by the lines labeled with the numeral 25 and
transmits a reply signal to the processor 32 including its unique
code. The reply signal is indicated by the arrow labeled with the
numeral 56. The processor 32 is thus able to match the tracking
unit 24 with the activation unit 26 that initiated the location
operation. The main unit 30 then determines the location of the
tracking unit 24 and relays this information to security personnel
to aid their attempts at finding the tracking unit 24.
[0055] A depiction of the communication links established between
the mobile handheld unit 67 and main unit 30 of the system are
illustrated in FIG. 7. As can be seen from this figure, the main
unit 30 communicates with both the tracking unit 24 and the mobile
handheld unit 67. The processor 32 of the main unit 30 is connected
to a transmitter/receiver unit 38. In response to the receipt of
the location request signal 49 from the activation unit 26 shown in
FIG. 3, the processor 32 enters a locate mode. In the locate mode,
the processor 32 transmits a location signal to the tracking unit
24. In response to the receipt of the location signal, the tracking
unit 24 activates a visual indicator shown by the lines labeled
with the numeral 25. The processor 32 is thus able to match the
tracking unit 24 with the activation unit 26 that initiated the
location operation. The main unit 30 then determines the location
of the tracking unit 24 and relays this information to security
personnel 22 having a mobile handheld unit 67 with a display 78 of
the monitored area showing the location of the tracking unit 24 as
shown in FIG. 5.
[0056] A block diagram of the tracking unit 24 is illustrated in
FIG. 8. As can be seen from this figure, the tracking unit 24
includes a processor 58 for analyzing the signals received from the
main unit 30. Connected to the processor 58 is a power source 60
for supplying operating power to the components of the tracking
unit 24. A memory unit 62 is also connected to the processor 58 for
storing the unique identity code of the tracking unit 24 as well as
all programs necessary for the operation of the processor 58. A
receiver 64 is connected to the processor 58 for receiving location
signals transmitted by the main unit 30 and providing the received
signals to the processor 58 for analysis. A transmitter 66 is
provided for transmitting a reply signal to the main unit 26
including the unique identity code stored in the memory unit 62
under the control of the processor 58. The illumination device 54
is preferably an LED located on an outer side of the tracking unit
24 and is illuminated by the processor 58 upon receipt of the
location signal from the main unit 30. The illumination device 54
aids the security personnel in locating the tracking unit 24 by
providing a visual signal. When the tracking unit 24 exits the
monitored area, a signal transmitted from transmitter 66 is
received by sensors located at the borders of the monitored area.
In response to receipt of this signal, the main unit 30 controls
speakers to generate an audible alarm signal at the exit point of
tracking unit 24.
[0057] A block diagram of the activation unit 26 is illustrated in
FIG. 9. As can be seen from this figure, the activation unit 26
includes an activation button 28 communicating with processor 82
for transmitting the activation request signal 49 to the main unit
30. Connected to the processor 82 is a power source 84 for
supplying operating power to the components of the activation unit
26. A memory unit 86 is also connected to the processor 82 for
storing the unique identity code of the activation unit 26. A
transmitter 88 is provided for transmitting an activation request
signal to the main unit 30 including the unique identity code
stored in the memory unit 86 under the control of the processor 82.
When the activation unit 26 exits the monitored area, a signal
transmitted from transmitter 88 is received by sensors located at
the borders of the monitored area. In response to receipt of this
signal, the main unit 30 controls speakers to generate an audible
alarm signal at the exit point of the activation unit 26.
[0058] A block diagram of the mobile hand held unit 67 is
illustrated in FIG. 10. As can be seen from this figure, the mobile
hand held unit 67 includes a processor 68 for controlling operation
of the hand held unit 67. Connected to the processor 68 is a power
source 70 for supplying operating power to the components of the
hand held unit 67. A memory unit 72 is also connected to the
processor 68 for storing the transmitted unique identity code of
the tracking unit 24 during a tracking session as well as all
programs necessary for the operation of the processor 68. A display
78 may be provided on the hand held unit 67 for displaying a floor
plan of the area being monitored along with an indicator for
informing the user as to the location of the tracking unit 24. A
receiver 76 is connected to the processor 68 for receiving control
signals transmitted by the main unit 30 and providing the received
signals to the processor 58 for analysis and controlling the
display 78, as can be seen in FIG. 7. A speaker 80 is also
connected to the processor 68. When the tracking unit 26 exits the
monitored area, a signal is transmitted from sensors located at the
borders of the monitored area. This signal is received by the
receiver 76 and provided to the processor 68. In response to
receipt of this signal, the processor 68 controls the speaker 80 to
generate an audible alarm signal.
[0059] FIG. 11 provides a perspective view of one possible
construction of the tracking unit 24. The tracking unit 24 is of a
size able to be unobtrusive to the user and is readily fixed to an
individual or placed into a purse or pocket. The tracking unit 24
includes the power source 60 and illumination device 54 along with
the transmitter, receiver, processor and memory as shown and
described in FIG. 8.
[0060] FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 provide a perspective view of the
alternate forms of the activation unit 26. The activation unit 26
can be constructed in the form of jewelry. FIG. 12 shows the device
constructed as a locket that can be worn around the neck. While
FIG. 13 shows the activation unit 26 constructed as a bracelet that
can be worn on the wrist of the parent. the size of the activation
unit is unobtrusive to the user and fits readily into a purse or
pocket. The activation unit 26 includes the activation button 28
for generating the activation request signal 49 that is transmitted
to main unit 30 to enter a locate mode and initiate locating the
tracking unit 24. A cover 27 is positioned above the activation
button 28 and provides selective access to the activation button
28. The cover 27 thus prevents accidental activation of the
tracking activation button 28.
[0061] FIG. 14 provides a perspective view of the mobile hand held
unit 67. The hand held unit 67 is of a size able to unobtrusive to
the user and fit readily into a purse or pocket. The hand held unit
67 includes the activation button 28 for controlling the main unit
26 to enter a locate mode and initiate locating the tracking unit
24. The display 78 is also provided on the hand held unit 30 so
that the user may be provided a visual indication of the location
of the tracking unit 24. A cover 80 is positioned above the
activation button 28 and provides selective access to the
activation button 28. The cove 80 thus prevents accidental
activation of the tracking button 28. The speaker 84 is also
provided on the hand held unit 30. The speaker 84 is controlled to
generate and audible signal when the hand held unit 30 exits the
monitored area.
[0062] The operation of the system for locating an individual 10
will now be described with reference to the figures. In operation,
the system for locating an individual 10 is installed within an
area to be monitored. The installation of the system includes
strategically positioning sensors about the monitored area. The
sensors are able to detect the tracking units 24 and activation
unit 26. The sensors are also able to communicate through wireless
communication channels with the main unit 30 and mobile handheld
units 67. The main unit 30 is located in a central area and is
monitored by an operator. Security personnel 22 are positioned
throughout the monitored area and are in communication with the
operator at the main unit 30 using mobile handheld units 67. Each
tracking unit 24 and activation unit 26 are paired together. Each
tracking unit 24 and activation unit 26 pair are programmed with a
unique identification code. Each identification code is also stored
within the processor 32 of the main unit 30 and associated with the
respective tracking unit and activation unit pair. When a user
wishes to monitor the location of a child or another person, they
check out a tracking unit 24 and activation unit 26 pair from a
central office. General information concerning the user checking
out the tracking unit 24 and activation unit 26 pair are input to
the main unit 30 using the input device 34, preferably a keyboard.
However, the input device 34 may be any device connectable to the
processor 32 and able to input data to the processor 32. At this
time the user's may go about their business within the monitored
area.
[0063] As the user shops, it becomes possible that a child with the
user may wander off when the user is distracted or not watching the
child closely. Upon detecting that the child has wandered off, the
user will activate the activation unit 26 by pressing the
activation button 28. When the activation button 28 is activated,
the activation unit 26 generates a location request signal
including data representative of the unique identification code
associated with the corresponding tracking unit 24. The location
request signal 49 is transmitted to the main unit 30 where it is
received by the receiver/transmitter 38. Upon receipt of this
signal, the receiver/transmitter unit 38 forwards the signal to the
processor 32. In response to the receipt of the data signal, the
processor 32 enters a locate mode. In the locate mode, the
processor 32 transmits a location signal 52 to the tracking unit
24. In response to the receipt of the location signal 52, the
tracking unit 24 activates a visual indicator 54 to illuminate and
provide a visual indication of the activated tracking unit 24 and
transmits a reply signal 56 to the processor 32 including its
unique code. The processor 32 is thus able to match the tracking
unit 24 with the activation unit 26 that initiated the location
operation. The main unit 26 then determines the location of the
tracking unit 24 via communication with the strategically
positioned sensors located throughout the monitored area. Upon
determination of the position of the tracking unit 24, the operator
of the main unit 26 relays this information to security personnel
having mobile handheld unit 67 to aid their attempts at finding the
tracking unit 24.
[0064] The sensors are also positioned about the periphery of the
monitored area 10. The sensors constantly monitor for the presence
of tracking units 24 and activation unit 26 passing outside of the
monitored area. Upon detection of a tracking unit 24 or activation
unit 26 passing by the sensors and outside of the monitored area,
the sensors will transmit a signal to the main unit 30 and mobile
handheld units 67 activating speakers to generate an audible
signal. The audible signal will alert persons in the vicinity of
the tracking unit 24 or activation unit 26 that it has exited the
monitored area.
[0065] The system of the present invention is also useful for
monitoring numerous other areas other than the example used herein.
Examples of such additional monitoring areas include, playgrounds,
amusement parks, nursing facilities and hospitals.
[0066] From the above description it can be seen that the system
for locating an individual of the present invention is able to
overcome the shortcomings of prior art devices by providing a
system for locating an individual including a main unit which is
able to monitor a predefined area for individuals retaining a
tracking unit on their person and be remotely activated by an
activation unit to initiate a location mode for determining the
location of the tracking unit. The activation unit includes a
selectively covered activation button thereby preventing accidental
activation and the tracking units are in the form of a lockable
bracelet or pin, each tracking unit being assigned a unique
identification number. The system for locating an individual
provides for security personnel located throughout the monitored
area to be in constant contact with the main computer via wireless
communication devices for aiding in locating a child. Furthermore,
the system for locating an individual of the present invention is
simple and easy to use and economical in cost to manufacture.
[0067] It will be understood that each of the elements described
above, or two or more together may also find a useful application
in other types of methods differing from the type described
above.
[0068] While certain novel features of this invention have been
shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it
is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will
be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions
and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and
in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without
departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.
[0069] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal
the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying
current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications
without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art,
fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or
specific aspects of this invention.
* * * * *